Suspect arrested in Paterson sex attacks

NEWARK (AP) — Law enforcement officials say a man charged with sexually assaulting two women in recent weeks in Paterson has been arrested.

Rafael Valez was arrested Thursday in Newark by Paterson police and members of the U.S. Marshals Service.

U.S. Marshals Service Supervisor Dennis Munchel says a public tip lead to Valez’ arrest on a downtown street corner in Newark.

Valez is accused of forcing a 19-year-old into her Market Street building in Paterson at knifepoint on Monday. Police also believe the 42-year-old sexually assaulted an 18-year-old in the building in September.

Advertisement

Police are investigating whether Velez is responsible for the sexual assault of an 18-year-old woman near the Great Falls on Tuesday.